Funding and decision-making in development, aid, and peacebuilding is often top-heavy and top-down. #ShiftThePower is a growing movement advocating for more power to be in the hands of local people.
To #ShiftThePower, we have to listen to women— especially those in local communities who are already doing the work and can speak best to what they need. That is why World Pulse wants to hear from you. We invite you to share your recommendations for the development sector and highlight the changemaking work you are already doing to #ShiftThePower.
Review the full Call for Stories for the campaign.
How can I participate?
There are multiple ways to participate. You can share your story any way you like — write your story, upload a video or audio clip, and/or create a drawing or other art form. Just be sure to tag your post with "#ShiftThePower.” If you’d like to participate anonymously, you can share your story through this form.
Please note, anonymous entries will not be considered for Story Awards unless interest in being considered for the award is expressly stated.
You can also invite your friends to participate. We are looking to broaden the conversation and include the perspectives of as many women as we can in this project.
What will happen with my story after I share it?
Submitting your story on WorldPulse.org will be interpreted as your informed consent to participate and have your story inform various outputs, such as reports, academic articles, workshops, or other resources.
By participating in our Call for Stories, your story will be self-published on World Pulse and you have the opportunity to be featured on our social media channels.
World Pulse will make efforts to contact you to let you know if your story has been selected to be featured in an output like a report or on social media. Please ensure that your email address associated with your World Pulse account is up to date.
What are the potential safety concerns or risks of participating?
Posting online can always carry risk. Speaking about politically charged issues or asking tough questions can potentially put you at risk for intimidation, surveillance, or physical violence.
If you share your story as a submission to World Pulse’s website, please keep in mind that your user name and profile image will be public. If you would like to participate using an alias, you can create an account using an alias and avatar. If you would like to participate without sharing your story to World Pulse’s website, you can submit your story through this anonymous form.
Please note, anonymous entries will not be considered for Story Awards unless interest in being considered for the award is expressly stated.
It is recommended that you review the best practices highlighted in our Safety & Security Toolkit.
What is a Story Award and Featured Initiative? How can I be considered?
Stories posted to the Shift the Power Call for Stories on the World Pulse website by 21 July 2024 are eligible to be considered for Story Awards and Featured Initiative Awards. All members who submit to the Call for Stories will be eligible to be selected by World Pulse as a Featured Storyteller. Featured Storytellers published on WorldPulse.org receive a 100 USD honorarium, editing support, the opportunity to be published by partner media outlets, and in our social media channels.
Members who are selected will be notified via email or World Pulse private message. Please ensure the email address associated with your account is up to date.
Learn more about Story Awards and Featured Initiative Awards, the selection process, and tips for sharing your stories and initiatives.
